PRINT: Rock Climb Low Octane, Owens River Gorge

Low Octane

5.9, Sport,

Avg: 2.2 from 10 votes
FA: Malcolm Jolley, Alan Hirahara, 1992
California > Sierra Eastside > Bishop Area > Owens River Gorge > Lower Gorge > Pitstop

Access Issue: Bridges Out! IMPORTANT LADWP NEGOTIATIONS!! Details

Due to liability concerns, bridges are being removed in the Owens River Gorge at the request of LADWP. The Bishop Area Climbers Coalition and the Access Fund are currently in negotiations with LADWP to get this issue resolved. In the meantime, please continue to be good land stewards by respecting these bridge closures and finding alternate crossing points until this issue is resolved.

1) Never park or camp overnight at the access points.
2) Always park off the pavement, taking great care to avoid blocking the gates.
3) Clean up after your dogs. (Local climbers are finding abandoned doggie poop bags.)
4) Pack out all trash and TP, including picking up after others.
5) Use the outhouses if at all possible.

Description

Start in a corner, using big holds to climb to the high first bolt. Then move left onto the face, and continue climbing on mostly edges past another 5 bolts. After the 2nd bolt, this route converges with High Octane.

On a windy day, with the river roaring below you, climbing this vertical rock feels like scaling the stone wall of a pirate fortress.

Location

Start to the right of High Octane

Protection

6 bolts to 2 bolt anchor with mussy hooks.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The Gazelle climbing 'Low Octane' w. Em H.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

b garrett

5.9

Nice climbing on this route! The approach to the cliff is pretty darn steep and unstable talus/sand. The first bolt is high, and the climbing to get to it is 5.6 or 5.7 on some slightly spooky blocks wedged into the corner. Might be prudent to stick clip. Once you get the first bolt clipped, the climbing and rock quality is very good! worth walking up to this one! Sep 23, 2022